When Job Interview Questions are Tough to Answer
How to Give the Right Response (or at Least One That Sounds Good)
Aug 3, 2009
With all the advice out there about how to handle job interviews (especially tough job interviews), it is always interesting to get different perspectives. And in a recent blog on avoiding interview pitfalls it was interesting to read a great tip on how to handle some particularly difficult job interview questions.
In particular, the blogger wrote about what were described as “forced choice” job interview questions where the job seeker was given two options and “forced” to make a “choice.” One such question – “What is more important: the money or the job?” – seemed like a strange question to ask and not one that particularly gets to the heart of whether or not someone is right for a particular position.
However, the purpose of sharing this question was to explain that instead of selecting one of the two options given, job seekers would be better to pick a third alternative. In the case of this particular question perhaps responding that both were equally important might do the trick.
Whatever response a job seeker chooses, it is still important to be prepared for these types of difficult job interview questions. To help candidates out, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Take a Moment Before Answering the Question
Instead of hyper-ventilating or having a mental melt down, job seekers need to take a moment to pull themselves together. Breathe deep, don’t panic, and think about what is being asked. A moment or two of silence can be forgiven especially if the job seeker appears cool, calm and collected. However, job seekers who trip, stumble and fall into a bad response will only look inept.
Repeat the Interview Question in Order to Delay a Response
Want to appear on top of the situation? Job seekers can do this (and buy themselves some time) by restating or paraphrasing the question. Or ask for clarification if necessary. Pausing and thinking while ruminating about a response communicates a desire to be accurate and to understand the interviewer’s meaning. Plus it allows job seekers an opportunity to gather their thoughts and formulate a good response.
Conduct Research Prior to the Job Interview
This has been said before, but all recruiters and hiring managers are NOT alike. They do not always choose the same interview questions nor do they have the same interview style. However, job seekers can prepare themselves for most any interview situation merely by preparing in advance. That means knowing as much about themselves and their work background as possible along with at least some basic information about the potential employer.
Above All Else, be Honest
Making up answers just to sound smart or talented or whatever won’t get the job done. There is an expectation that under job interview pressure some (most) job seekers will falter. In fact, those who don’t might seem a bit suspect, perhaps too perfect, leading interviewers to wonder if they are just good at interviewing or can they do the job. It’s perfectly okay to be human.
Besides if someone is purposely using high-stress questions, there is likely a reason behind it. And it may mean the work environment is not a good fit for every job seeker.
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